Featured Reviews

Scott Base Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016

29 September,2017

The ‘Scott Base’ label of Allan Scott Family Winemakers is
their "little slice of heaven” for the Scotts, as they call their beautiful southerly site in
Central Otago. The Scott family was
involved in a partnership in the 1994-established vineyard on McNab Road on the
outskirts of Cromwell, but took full ownership in 2008. The north-facing 6 ha vineyard is mainly planted
to clones 777 and 667, with some clone 5 and 10/5, as well as a smaller amount
of Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir wine is
the focus of the property, with some very good Methode Traditionnelle produced
from it too. The fruit is transported
overnight from the vineyard to the Scott’s winery in Marlborough for
vinification. Here, I review the new
release 2016 Scott Base Pinot Noir.
www.allanscott.comwww.scottbasevineyards.co.nz

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

Scott Base Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Otago

17.5-/20

Even, dark ruby-red colour with slight garnet hues, a little
lighter on the rim. The nose is soft and
gently full with restrained fruit aroma of dark-red cherry and berry fruit
entwined with subtle notes of thyme herbs, red florals and a hint of
liquorice. Medium-full bodied, the palate
has gently rich and sweet flavours of dark-red cherry and berry fruit
intermingling with subtle notes of thyme herbs and red florals. The fruit has good vitality and is supported
by light, supple tannin extraction providing a positive, vinous mouthfeel. The flavours and textures grow to shoe body
and presence, and the wine carries to a blossoming finish of sweet fruit. This is a gently rich Pinot Noir with cherry,
berry and herb flavours on a supple palate with good presence and a blossoming
finish. Match with poultry and pork over
the next 4 years. Pinot Noir fruit,
clones 10/5, 667, 777 and 5 from 23 y.o. vines, indigenous yeast fermented with
25% whole bunches to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 35% new French
oak. 17.5-/20 Sep 2017
RRP $38.00